star tours scotland 5 days

Sensational Five Day Scotland Tour - a journey of discovery, of our history, scenery and culture

Private 5 Day Scotland Tour

Scotland 5 Day Itinerary Highlights

• Day 1 – Loch Lomond, Inveraray and Oban
• Day 2 – Oban, Fort William and the Isle of Skye
• Day 3 – Guided Tour of the Isle of Skye
• Day 4 – Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and Inverness
• Day 5 – Cairngorm Mountains, Dalwhinnie Whisky Distillery, Blair Castle or Stirling Castle

Day 1 - Loch Lomond, Inveraray and Oban

Travelling west on your 5-Day Tour of Scotland, our first stop of the day is to the picturesque conservation village of Luss, on the shores of Loch Lomond. A perfect stop to stretch the legs, and capture some photographs of arguably the most beautiful loch in the world, Loch Lomond.

Heading North, we pass beneath the craggy mountain, “The Cobbler” (Ben Arthur), as we journey through the “Arrochar Alps”, and on for another photo-shoot at the spectacular viewpoint known as the “Rest and be Thankful”.

As we approach the Highland Harbour town of Inveraray, you have the option to stop for lunch at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, for a taste of some of the finest Scotland’s finest seafood. You may however, wish to opt for traditional Scottish pub cuisine at the ancient old Scottish Inn ‘The George’ in Inveraray town.

Arriving in Inveraray around midday, we visit the impressive Inveraray Castle and gardens. This proud fortress is the romantic Highland Home of the Duke & Duchess of Argyll. Enjoy some free time to browse the beautiful town shops, or take a stroll to the waterside to view the Clyde puffer “The Vital Spark”, once used for transporting coal, moored in the harbour.

In the town of Inveraray, we find the historic 19th century Inveraray Jail, where you can meet the warder and talk to the ‘prisoners’.

https://www.inverarayjail.co.uk

We then take a scenic drive to Oban, for our first overnight stay on our 5-day tour of Scotland.

Day 2 - Oban to the ‘Magical’ Isle of Skye

From Oban, we head north travelling along the banks of Loch Laich. Our first stop of the morning on day two, is at Appin to take in spectacular views across the loch to Castle Stalker.

Our next stop is Fort William for lunch and shopping. We continue along the shores of Loch Lochy to Invergarry, and travel onwards to the magical Isle of Skye for a spot of sightseeing, before stopping for the night in the colourful, popular small town of Portree.

Day 3 - Isle of Skye Guided Tour Experience

Departing Portree after breakfast, we take a scenic tour around the Trotternish peninsula, stopping to see the “The Old Man of Storr,” and the wondrous ‘Kilt Rock’.

After lunch in Staffin, our journey continues around the stunning coastline. We stop for more photo opportunities at the Minch which separates the north-west Highlands and the northern Inner Hebrides from Lewis and Harris. Before driving back to Portree for our overnight stay, we visit the Skye Museum of Island life.

Day 4 - Eilean Donan Castle, Fort Augustus, Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness & Inverness

After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we cross the Skye Bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh, and then on to Eilean Donan Castle, filming location of the movie “Highlander”. Here we stop for a visit and photo-shoot.

Travelling onwards through Glen Sheil, towards the Great Glen and the banks of Loch Ness, we stop at Urquhart Castle, and again at Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness before lunch. “The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition Experience” offer you the chance to discover all the known facts about the mysterious monster, “Nessie”. Get your binoculars ready for some Nessie searching. Before arriving at our accommodation in Inverness we enjoy a relaxing break at Tomnahurich, to view the lock system in operation, and learn more about the Caledonian Canal from the Lock keeper.

Day 5 - Aviemore, Dalwhinnie Whisky Distillery and Option of Blair Castle or Stirling Castle

Departing Inverness, we journey on to Aviemore, where we experience the beautiful Speyside countryside. Chat to the driver and fireman at the Strathspey Steam Railway, and discover the mechanics of a steam locomotive and view the Cairngorm Mountains, famous for its winter sports.

Heading south, we continue our journey through Cairngorms National Park to visit and enjoy a guided tour at Highland Whisky distillery, Dalwhinnie. Here we can sample the “gentle spirit” of the Glen and learn about the “Angels Share”, created during the whisky maturing process.

Climbing over the Pass of Drumochter, and on through the Pass of Killiecrankie, we head into Perthshire to visit Blair Castle, home to the Atholl Highlanders, Europe’s last remaining private army. Alternatively, we can travel onwards to one of Scotland’s most important medieval fortresses, Stirling Castle. The grand castle perched proudly upon a volcanic crag, can be seen from miles around and offers an intriguing insight into Scotland’s turbulent history through the Wars of Independence and into the Renaissance period. Your 5-day Scotland tour concludes at your named accommodation in Glasgow or Edinburgh.

You will return home with fantastic memories and fun filled facts and knowledge of some of our ancient historical beauty spots.

Book your 5-day tour of Scotland today

Contact George today, to check availability on his wonderful 5-day tour. Make life-long memories on your wonderful Scotland touring experience. You can also check out our other fabulous selection of multi day tours in Scotland here .

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5-Day Tours in Scotland

From the medieval Royal Mile of Edinburgh to the ancient castle ruins of the Scottish Highlands, you can experience a fascinating array of attractions on a tour of 5 days in Scotland. From custom road trips to privately guided tours, the local travel experts at Nordic Visitor can arrange the perfect Scotland itinerary for 5 days.

Itinerary ideas for 5 days in Scotland

Want to make the most of your 5 days in Scotland? You’ll be surprised by how many picture-perfect attractions you can take in on a Scotland itinerary in 5 days, with Scotland tour packages that can be customised to your liking by the trusted local travel experts at Nordic Visitor.

Keep browsing below for trip ideas and suggestions for what to see in Scotland in 5 days.

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Why book with nordic visitor.

• Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
• Flexible & customisable tour options
• Value for your money
• Professional service from local experts

Experience Scotland in 5 days

Enjoy free time in the charming capital, Edinburgh, and take a short trip into the Highlands. Check out below what we recommend for a short tour in Scotland.

A Scottish Christmas to Remember

Best of edinburgh - loch ness & highlands, best of edinburgh - loch ness & highlands - winter, scenic scotland - express, loch ness & the highlands, stay longer and see more of scotland.

Stretch your trip to 6 or 7 days to experience more of the Scottish Highlands and isles. Explore these tour options below for different ways you can travel around Scotland on a week-long holiday.

Wonders of Scotland

Scottish highlands, loch ness & isle of skye.

Express Scotland - Private

Edinburgh complete - loch ness, highlands & glasgow, edinburgh complete - loch ness, highlands & glasgow - winter, experience scotland your way.

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Scotland below.

Guided Small Groups

Privately guided, best sellers, culinary experience, scottish heritage tours, the scottish highlands, all travel styles, spending 5 days in scotland: what to do.

Edinburgh  makes a wonderful starting point for a 5-day trip to Scotland. You can easily spend at least a day in Edinburgh strolling the cobbled streets of the  Royal Mile  between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace or exploring the elegant New Town neighbourhood. If you wish to spend all of your 5 days in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, there are also several day tour options, for example a day trip to the famous university city of  St Andrews .

To experience the best of Scotland in 5 days we recommend going on a short trip into the majestic Scottish Highlands to see the postcard-perfect landscapes. On a 5-day Scotland tour from Edinburgh you can can travel into the Highlands, spending a couple nights in the Fort Augustus or Fort William areas, and visit popular attractions like the legendary  Loch Ness , the beautiful shores of Loch Lomond, the prehistoric Clava Cairns, the stunning Glen Coe area, the medieval  Doune Castle  and the Glenfinnan Viaduct of Harry Potter fame.

• Discover even more  popular attractions in Scotland

To see all these highlights at your own pace, a 5-day driving tour of Scotland is recommended. With a  Scotland road trip itinerary  for 5 days arranged by Nordic Visitor you can visit the places that interest you most, with your very own detailed itinerary, hand-marked map of Scotland and Scotland travel guide that we provide to you before your trip. Furthermore, you can enjoy a stress-free time in Scotland in 5 days by car knowing that all of your accommodations have been sorted you by our local travel experts.

Spending 5 days in Scotland with no car? You can have Nordic Visitor create a tailor-made  private tour of Scotland  for you, so you can experience the highlights of the Highlands with an experienced local driver-guide.

Customise your 5-day tour of Scotland

With 5 days in Scotland, where to go can feel like a challenge. That’s why it’s good to have the Edinburgh-based staff of Nordic Visitor to guide your trip planning and  create a tailored 5-day Scotland tour for you . All of our itineraries can be tailored with extra nights, day tours and more, and you’ll have your own dedicated travel consultant at Nordic Visitor to advise you on tour options and make all local travel arrangements for you. If you want to start your 5-day tour of scotland from  Glasgow , we can also modify your itinerary accordingly.

Want to travel to the  Isle of Skye ? Then we recommend staying longer than 5 days in Scotland to comfortably travel to this popular destination along with other top Highland attractions such as Eilean Donan Castle, Cairngorms National Park and Dunvegan Castle.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Highly recommend Nordic Visitor

This is our second tour with Nordic Visitor. Agents used before the tour were always very prompt with responses to our questions. During the tour, we found the accommodation perfect, guide very informative and friendly, and the driver got used to where we needed to go without any problems. We would definitely use Nordic Visitor again!

Smooth experience

Throughout the years we have travelled a lot, but never with a group tour. This trip was our first time and it did not disappoint. The tour guide, the bus driver, our fellow passengers, the weather, accommodation, variety of activities, and how smoothly everything went makes me question why we never toured like this before!

Amazing experience!

We had an amazing experience with Nordic Visitor! Our guides, Richard and Tim, were organised, knowledgeable, and very friendly! You can tell quality and customer satisfaction are very important. We will be back!

An unforgettable holiday

It was an unforgettable holiday. They took care of everything, and we got to wonder and explore with little hassle. If you want to visit Scotland (or anywhere else Nordic Visitor has tours) they are the way to do it. Already talking about our next adventure with Nordic Visitor.

An indescribably fantastic experience!

We are two middle-aged women who had never been to the UK before. My sister-in-law always wanted to go to Scotland, so I started researching and came upon Nordic Visitor through internet searches. I checked for reviews and found the company to be highly recommended. I started corresponding with Kirsten. She was extremely kind, very helpful and was able to put my nervous mind at ease. The package she put together for us was perfect! From my first email, the airport pick up and drop off service, and the tour with Dave, it was an indescribably fantastic experience!

I can't thank Nordic Visitor enough

This is our second trip in two years to Scotland with Nordic Visitor, and we are seriously thinking about another. I can't thank Chris enough for his patience and expertise when booking this trip.

The tour package materials were top notch. Spiral bound itinerary, recommended activities, restaurant recommendations and the large-scale road map of Scotland were a nice touch. Magdalena, our Nordic Visitor representative, responded promptly to our questions. Accomodation was all great.

Perfect vacation!

For our 50th wedding anniversary, we trusted Nordic Visitor to make our vacation a memorable one, and they made it beyond special. Chris, our tour planner, did everything to accommodate our needs and answered our questions quickly. It was an absolutely perfect vacation!

We booked a 4-day Christmas Tour of Edinburgh which included hotel accommodation, a walking tour of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, a day tour of the Highlands and Lowlands, castles, and lochs, and also a whisky distillery tour. The hotel was in an amazing location near the Christmas Markets and popular attractions. The day tours were such a wonderful way to experience the countryside outside of Edinburgh. We also added a driving service to drive us to and from the airport and the drivers were so lovely. The care package left at the hotel consisting of maps and suggested eateries was such a delightful bonus. We loved that every aspect of our trip was planned and ready for us once we arrived which diminished any travel stress that one may experience when travelling abroad.

We were in good hands

As first-time visitors to Edinburgh, and senior citizens, our choice to use Nordic Visitor was an excellent one. The welcome package we received at the hotel was really helpful, with our tour vouchers, maps and restaurant recommendations. We would not have known what hotel to select and the one selected for us was perfect. The choice of tours offered was perfect for a 5-day visit. So glad to learn about the Royal Mile and visit the castle. The trip through the Highlands and Loch Ness was beautiful. Our travel agent, Rebecca, always quickly responded to email questions prior to departure. Thank you! Nordic Visitor made our trip easy and rewarding. We were in good hands.

Highly professional service

Nordic Visitor is a highly professional tour company. From beginning to end, we have no complaints. Our travel consultant, Chris, was very quick to answer all our questions from start to finish. Could not be more pleased.

Absolutely wonderful!

Our trip was absolutely wonderful! Magda was great to work with and helped us through the whole process. Everyone we worked with from the beginning through the end of the trip was absolutely marvellous.

Scotland Travel Guide

Start preparing for your trip by doing some research before your Scottish adventure.

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Flights to Scotland

The two biggest international airports in Scotland are in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, and in Edinburgh, the capital city and usual starting point for Nordic Visitor tours. Flight times to Scotland are, for example, 6.5 hours from New York City and 1.5 hours from London. Major international airlines with flights to Scotland include (but are not limited to) British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta and KLM.

Scotland and the rest of the UK is on GMT time. If your journey to Scotland involves one or more connecting flights, or if you're crossing several time zones to get here, your dedicated Nordic Visitor travel consultant can add extra nights in Edinburgh to your package so you can rest up after arrival.

Please note that flights to Scotland are not included in Nordic Visitor packages.

Our Services

Whether you travel independently or with a guide in your Nordic Visitor package, you will receive personalised service from a designated travel consultant and high-quality travel documents. What's more, all self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines the driving route, overnights and highlights along the way. Travel with ease knowing that Nordic Visitor has close professional relationships with local service providers , which are carefully selected by our staff for their consistently high standards.

Book With Confidence

• Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
• 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
• We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
• Enjoy personal service from Scotland travel experts.
• Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
• We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Whether you’re looking to add a night in Edinburgh, want restaurant recommendations or have questions about your tour, we’re happy to help so get in touch with our friendly team to answer any of your travel queries.

Our Scottish phone number is +44 (0)131 344 4630

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Read About Scotland

Best time to visit scotland: your complete guide, summer in scotland guide: what to do and where to go, 7 outlander filming locations to visit in scotland, in focus: skye in the off-season.

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Quiraing, Isle of Skye

© Matthew Wight

Isle of Skye

5 day Highlands, Isle of Skye and Inverness

Our 5 day tour of the Highlands, Isle of Skye and Inverness is a perfect blend of historic sites and scenic paradise. We travel around some of the most picturesque areas in Scotland, but also visit some of the most important Castles and battlefields.

• Our first stop is the mighty Stirling Castle and Wallace Monument . This commanding position at the foot of the Highland boundary has been fought over for thousands of years as a strategic point to control the entire country.
• We continue north/west into the mountain wilderness to visit Etive Mor , an extinct super volcano known locally as “the Shepard of Glencoe”. Here we turn off the beaten path into Glen Etive for spectacular scenery and hopefully spot Red Deer in their native habitat.
• Next stop is Scotland’s most desired spot, Glencoe . Towering mountains on all sides and a bloody history make this an unforgettable experience to all who visit.
• Our final port of call is the town of Fort William at the foot of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis , where we stop for the evening. (Fort William will be our overnight stop)
• We start the day with a visit to Thomas Telford’s engineering masterpiece, Neptune’s staircase . Constructed 200 years ago it’s part of the Caledonian Canal system. This series of 8 locks lifts boats some 70ft from the sea level to Loch Lochy above.
• We then head west to Glenfinnan and Loch Shiel for one of Scotland’s finest views. Here we will see the Glenfinnan viaduct which featured in Harry Potter and the Jacobite memorial.
• We continue along the spectacular road to the Isles and catch a ferry for the short journey from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye.
• In Skye we visit Armadale castle . Dating from the 1650’s this became the seat of Clan Donald. The powerful MacDonald’s of Armadale were the Lords of the Isles.
• We continue north across the wild terrain of Skye to your hotel of choice. (The Isle of Skye will be our overnight stop)
• May to October the Jacobite steam train (featured in Harry Potter) is running which gives you the option to travel to Mallaig by steam train then continue with us on the ferry. This MUST be booked in advance, as tickets will be sold out on the day.
• We start with driving a loop round the geological wonder of the Trotternish peninsular. We visit The Old Man of Storr (featured in the movie Prometheus) then continue to the 200ft Kilt rock waterfall.
• We then visit the strange landscape of the Quiraing . This volcanic wonder is one of the most beautiful sites on the island.
• Next we visit another bizarre feature known as the Fairy glen . It can only be described as a miniature mountain landscape suitable for elves and goblins.
• We continue west across the island to Neist Point where you have the opportunity to walk out to the lighthouse. We then visit the only remaining inhabited castle on Skye. Home to Clan Macleod for the last 800 years, Dunvegan Castle and gardens is a great place to immerse yourself in history with the longest continuous habitation of any castle in Scotland. (Overnight stay on the Isle of Skye)
• We make our way off the island via the Skye Bridge back to the mainland where we visit Scotland’s most photographed castle, Eilean Donan . It features in many movies including James Bond, Highlander and Maid of Honour.
• We continue east through the rugged mountain landscape to the mighty Loch Ness . Here we climb aboard the Jacobite cruise ship to give you time on the mysterious water and hopefully catch a glimpse of the illusive Loch Ness monster “Nessie”.
• We continue along the shore of Loch Ness to the only city in the highlands, Inverness where we will stop for the evening. (Overnight stay in Inverness)
• We start the day with a visit to Culloden battle field where the British government troops fought the Jacobite army in 1746. The Scots suffered a heavy defeat and this was to be the last ever battle on UK soil. The visitor centre has a state of the art 360 degree theatre which allows you to immerse yourself in the battle and hear real accounts from those who fought.
• From Culloden we move a few miles along the road to the see the 4,000 year old Clava Cairn burial chambers . This exceptionally well preserved Bronze Age cemetery is one of Scotland’s most sacred prehistoric sites.
• We continue back south through the beautiful Cairngorm Mountains to highland Perthshire where we visit the stunning Blair Castle . Home to the Duke of Atholl for more than 700 years. This pristine white castle has a large armoury which includes weapons used during the battle of Culloden.
• We continue south to Edinburgh where we sadly say farewell.

From £105 per adult

Departure days.

• W Wednesday

January — December

Contact details

• +44 (7989) 416990
• View tour details
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Driver guide
• Small Group (1-16)

Tour prices

From £105 Per Adult

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Tour company information

Discreet scotland private tours.

Our multi-award winning company has grown from strength to strength over the past 12 years. We offer the very best Luxury Private Tour experiences across the length and breadth of Scotland. Day tours or Multi Day Trips in comfort and style, with our fleet of luxury vehicles. We provide private guided tours from Edinburgh to The Highlands, Isle of Skye, Orkney and all other parts of our spectacular country. Our team of professional Kilted tour guides will make sure you have the very best experience in Scotland.

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Opening times

08.00am to 19.00pm 7 days a week

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5 Day Regular Tours to Scottish Highlands, Western Isles and Orkney | Go Scotland Tours

Week long tours to Scottish Highlands, Western Isles, Skye, Outer Hebrides, Orkney and more. Regular departure Scotland Tours, limited departures.

Browse through our tours of Scotland below or customize your own tour.  Contact us for more details... 

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The Scottish Highlands Essential Experience Tour

• Tour ID: 1094
• Tour theme: Group Sightseeing Tours (Multi-days) ,
• Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
• Starts from: Edinburgh, Glasgow

The Essential Scottish Experience, tour highlands of Scotland and the western islands, Skye, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Oban, Simply the Best Tour of the Highlands...

Orkney and Far North Tour Experience from Edinburgh

• Tour ID: 1543
• Starts from: Edinburgh

A tour to the amazing Orkney Islands from Edinburgh. First we travel through the Highlands, Loch Ness, Inverness, then a spectacular 3 days in Orkney, Kirkwall.

Small Group Tour

Orkney Explorer and Far North of Scotland Tour

• Tour ID: 1019

Orkney and northern Scotland tour, Highlights of the tour are prehistoric Orkney archipelago, Scotland northern coastline, Loch Ness and Cairngorm National Park

Outer Hebrides and Highlands Tour Experience from Edinburgh

• Tour ID: 1260

Tour to the largest islands in Scotland, the Outer hebrides, visit Lewis and Harris, stay in Stornoway, tour Callanish, Rogie Falls, Taransay and the Highlands.

Outer Hebrides and Scottish Highlands Tour

• Tour ID: 1571

Take a tour to the Outer Hebrides, once part of the Viking Kingdom. Visit Lewis and see the ancient standing stones at Callanish then go to mountainous Harris with its white sandy beaches.

Scotland 4 Island Magic Tour; Skye, Iona, Mull and Staffa

• Tour ID: 1000

Enjoy 4 fantastic West Coast Islands including the islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa and the romantic beauty of the Isle of Skye...

Scottish Highland Explorer Tour

• Tour ID: 1016

5 days of Scotland of the breathtaking Highlands, highlights include; Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, Cairngorm and the best views of Scotland...

Yorkshire Dales, Lake District Tour and Hadrians Wall

• Tour ID: 1021

5 Day tour to Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District in England. Other highlights include The Scottish Borders, Hadrians Wall, Lake Windermere, Robin Hood Bay...

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5 Day Scotland Tour

Our 5 Day Scotland Tour from Edinburgh and Glasgow takes you into the heart of the Highlands, giving a taste of the sights and sounds of Scotland. You’ll get to enjoy stunning landscapes, visit medieval cities, discover important archaeology sites, and see famous TV and film locations on this 5-day sightseeing trip. Our tour is led by an experienced guide, and you’ll travel in a small-group with a maximum of 16 guests.

Discover the dramatic Scottish countryside as we drive through valleys and over mountainous terrain. We’ll visit iconic viewpoints along the way including Glencoe, Ben Nevis, Eilean Donan Castle and more! A highlight of the trip includes a visit to the Isle of Skye which is home to one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the world. You’ll also have the chance to take a seal-spotting boat cruise, visit a Scotch Whisky distillery and try to spot Nessie, the Loch Ness monster! On our 5-day Scotland tour, you’ll stay overnight in well-known towns including Inverness, the capital of the highlands. The tour is available on selected dates.

• Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

Highlights:

Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland

• Leave in the morning with pick up from Edinburgh and then Glasgow on our 5 Day Scotland tour adventure!
• In Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery which houses one of Europe’s great art collections
• Drive into the Scottish Highlands, a rugged mountainous region with breathtaking scenery and views. We’ll pass several villages along the way including Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond, Arrochar at the foot of the Arrochar Alps, and Inveraray which is the seat of the Clan Campbell and Dukes of Argyll!
• Visit the Dunadd Iron Age Fort which dates back over 2,000 years and was the coronation site of kings and queens of Dalriada, the ancient Gaelic speaking kingdom
• See Kilmartin Glen, one of the richest Neolithic sites anywhere in Europe with some of the largest concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland. Visit the Kilmartin Museum to learn the history of the peoples who have lived and worshipped in this area for the last six thousand years
• Our first day ends with an overnight stay in Oban, a port and fishing town.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

• Departing Oban our first stop of the day is Glencoe. This is one of the most impressive valleys in Scotland and is an iconic filming location, featuring in the Harry Potter movies and James Bond’s Skyfall. It’s also the site of the infamous 1692 Massacre of Glencoe, and your guide will explain its importance for Scottish history
• We’ll continue to Glenfinnan Viaduct, instantly recognizable as the bridge that Hogwarts Express crosses in the Harry Potter movies!
• Enjoy lunch in the town of Fort William, the second largest town in the Highlands. Choose to take a tour of the Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery and learn how Scotch whisky is made. At the end of the tour you’ll get to taste some Ben Nevis single malt whisky. Alternatively, you’ll have the chance to visit the ruins of Inverlochy Castle and explore “Neptune’s Staircase”
• From here, we’ll head to a viewpoint at the Commando Memorial Statue to enjoy sweeping views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. The memorial site commemorates commandos who trained near here during WWII
• Continue to the village of Fort August which lies at the shore of Loch Ness. You might even get to spot Nessie, the Loch Ness monster!
• Our drive continues through some of the most dramatic and breathtaking scenery in Scotland, passing Glenshiel and the iconic Five Sisters of Kintail. We’ll visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most famous locations in Scotland
• Continue the drive over Skye Bridge and onto the Isle of Skye. You’ll stay overnight in Portree, the largest town on the island

The Isle of Skye!

• We’ll spend the morning touring the Isle of Skye, which is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world!
• Highlights include exploring the Trotternish Peninsula where you’ll see the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the Quiraing. You’ll also get to see amazing views across the sea – east to the Torridon Mountains and west to the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Your guide will also bring the island to life with tales of the local folklore. The Skye Museum of Island Life explains how people lived on this island a hundred years ago
• Enjoy lunch in Portree which is known for its fish and seafood, with time to explore the pretty town with many craft and local gift shops
• Following lunch we’ll drive over the Cuillin Mountains, leaving the Isle of Skye and heading to the village of Plockton on the shores of Loch Carron
• Choose to take a 1-hour seal tour where you’ll get to see seals along with many species of sea birds. And sometimes you can even see dolphins and porpoise. Alternatively, spend some free time exploring the village of Plockton
• We end the day in Inverness which is the capital of the Highlands. Spend your free evening with a stroll along the riverbank or visit Inverness Castle which dominates the city centre and offers a fabulous view of the surrounding area
• Overnight in Inverness

View of Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness

• We spend day 4 exploring the wild and mountainous North West Highlands. Our drive takes us past spectacular scenery that is amongst the most rugged landscapes in Europe
• Visit Corrieshalloch, one of the most breathtaking gorges of its type in Britain set in a national nature reserve. See the series of crashing waterfalls from the Victorian suspension bridge
• We’ll drive along part of the North Coast 500 Route, one of the top coastal road trips in the world. Stop to visit the ancient ruins of Ardvreck Castle
• From here visit Knockan Crag, a globally important geological site. For serious hikers, there is an optional hike along steep paths that takes you through hundreds of millions of years of history. Alternatively, sit back and soak up the beautiful landscapes
• Enjoy lunch in the pretty ferry port of Ullapool. This fishing town is well known for its fish ‘n’ chips! We’ll visit nearby  Rogie Falls, a beautiful sport which offers several good forest walks
• Visit the town of Beauly. Mary, Queen of Scots is believed to have given this town its name in 1564 when she visited, exclaiming: ‘ Quel beau lieu!’ (What a beautiful place!)
• As we make our way back to Inverness, we’ll stop for a fantastic photo opportunity from a vantage point high above Urquhart Castle – the only castle on the banks of Loch Ness
• Spend our last night in Inverness

The ruins of St Andrews Cathedral

• We depart Inverness on our final day, gradually making our way south towards Edinburgh passing some beautiful places along the way
• Begin the day with a visit to Clava Cairns. The stones and Burial Chambers date from at least 4000 years ago and were the inspiration for the author of the Outlander novels when writing about Craigh na Dun. We’ll also visit the nearby Culloden Battlefield, which is also connected to the Outlander TV series and is where the final battle of the Jacobite rising of 1745 took place
• Our final stop is to the town of St Andrews, known as the birthplace of golf and the place where Prince William met Kate Middleton. You’ll have free time to explore the highlights of this town.
• Golf fans can visit The Old Course which is the oldest course in the world. The British Golf Museum is located just behind the clubhouse. The medieval walled town is home to St Andrews University. Visitors can walk around the ancient buildings, and see the remains of the Cathedral. St Andrews Castle sits on the coast and highlights include the Bottleneck Dungeon, subterranean mine and medieval tunnels
• As we return to Edinburgh, the drive takes us through the fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife, across the Forth Road Bridge and the 2017 Queensferry Crossing
• Arrive back in Edinburgh in the early evening. The tour does not return to Glasgow.

Accommodation:

During this tour, you will stay 1-night in Oban, 1-night in Portree & 2-nights in Inverness. Our tour does not include accommodation, and you can either book your own accommodation or request for us to book accommodation for you.

Drop-off & Pick-up locations:

You will be dropped off and picked up at these city-centre locations at the end of each touring day:

• Oban: 1 Station Rd, Oban PA34 4NU
• Portree: Somerled Square, Portree IV51 9BS
• Inverness: 26 Queensgate, Inverness, IV1 1DJ

Leave it to us:

If you would like us to reserve your accommodation, please contact us after booking your tour. We can arrange the following types of accommodation:

• Hostel accommodation: a dorm bed in a mixed room with 4-8 beds per room. Facilities are shared, and breakfast is not included, but there is a communal kitchen where you can prepare food
• B&B/Guesthouse: we can arrange a single room, double/twin room, or family room (3-4 people). All rooms are en-suite or have private shower facilities. Breakfast is included

You’ll pay for your accommodation directly to the provider on arrival. By doing so, we can offer you the best prices!

• The tour departs at 8:30am from Deacon’s House Cafe, 304 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PS. It returns to the same location on day 5 at approximately 6:30 pm
• Pickup at Glasgow is at 10am from Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8AG.
• The tour includes a driver, transportation. It does not include entrance fees/optional extras
• This is a small-group tour that typically operates on a 16-seater Mercedes sprinter
• Optional extras for this tour are: Ben Nevis Distillery Tour; Museum of Island Life Skye; Seal Tour; Eilean Donan Castle; St Andrews Cathedral. You can see prices for these extras on our book now page
• It is important to bring warm and waterproof clothing, as well as comfortable walking shoes. We also recommended bringing cash (around £30 per day) since not all villages have ATM machines

Tour Booking

Terms and conditions, you might also be interested.

3 Day Isle of Skye Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

Isle of Skye Tour from Glasgow - 3 Days

3 Day Lake District Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

• NORTHERN IRELAND
• TRAVEL TIPS

5-day Scotland Itinerary: how to spend 5 days in Scotland (+5 alternatives)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Heading to the UK soon and looking for the perfect 5-day Scotland Itinerary? You’ve come to the right place!

Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and there is so much to do! From the beautiful capital city, Edinburgh, to the National Parks and lakes, there is a lot you can see in 5 days.

In this article, we tell you exactly how to spend 5 days in Scotland.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 QUICK SUMMARY – 5 DAYS IN SCOTLAND 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

• BEST TOUR : Rabbie’s Isle of Skye and West Highlands 4- day tour
• BEST THINGS TO SEE: Edinburgh, Cairngorms, Inverness, Loch Ness and Fort William or Edinburgh, Highlands and Skye
• BEST STARTING POINT: Edinburgh
• FUN THINGS TO DO: Riding the Jacobite train , hiking, Harry Potter walking tour of Edinburgh

In the first section, you will find the ultimate Scotland 5-day itinerary for first-timers.

This itinerary is packed with activities and was made to allow you to enjoy Scotland at its maximum.

With only 5 days in Scotland, you need to be organised.

The itinerary will help you to do that but you will also find some tips and tricks to make your trip even easier!

Later down in the article, you will also find some alternatives.

If you think the first itinerary is too much for you, you can discover what to see in Scotland in 5 days using other routes.

🔎 Table of Contents

Planning your trip to Scotland

Before getting started with the itinerary itself, it’s important to plan your trip.

With only 5 days in Scotland, you need to be quite organised if you want to make the best of your time.

Luckily, travelling in Scotland is pretty easy. As long as you know how to get around and where to stay, you will be just fine.

And that’s exactly why you are here. I’ve been living in the UK for years and I will help you plan the perfect trip now!

How to get to Scotland

The best way to get to Scotland is by plane. The main airport is in Edinburgh.

There are loads of cheap flights going there every day and that’s the first thing you should check.

From Edinburgh airport, you can take a bus, train or tram to reach the city centre. It’s very quick. It takes less than 30 minutes.

Click here to see the latest fares for flights to Edinburgh.

Another option is to fly to the second main airport in Scotland, Glasgow.

There aren’t as many flights and it’s a bit less convenient as you will want to spend more time in Edinburgh than Glasgow but depending where you are flying from, you may get a better deal.

If you choose to fly to Glasgow, you will need to reverse the following itinerary. That’s not an issue at all but it’s worth mentioning.

Click here to see the latest fares for flights to Glasgow.

How to get around Scotland

Scotland is the perfect country to experience the outdoors .

For this reason, the best way to enjoy it is by car (or with a tour). If you wish to explore the country by yourself, you should rent a car and go on the ultimate Scotland road trip.

As you only have 5 days, you may also want to consider going on a multi-day tour. Everything will be planned for you and you won’t have to worry about anything.

The last alternative is taking the train. Public transport in Scotland (and the rest of the UK) is excellent.

It’s very easy to get around by train however, you won’t get to enjoy the outdoors as much and that could be an issue.

Road Trip in Scotland

Renting a car and going on a road trip is perfect for people who like to take their time and be on their own.

Whether you are starting in Edinburgh or Glasgow, you will find loads of car rental companies.

To get the best deal, use Skyscanner . You may know it as a comparison tool for flights but they also do it for car rentals.

Click here to see the best car rental deals in Scotland.

Tours in Scotland

As you only have 5 days in Scotland, you should also consider going on a tour.

The good thing about going on a tour is that you won’t have to worry about anything. The tour company will sort everything out for you.

Also, you will be with a guide which means that you will get loads of information about everything you visit.

It truly is the best way to make the best of your time in Scotland. The local tour companies know Scotland like the back of their hand. They will bring you to the best places in the most efficient way. Meanwhile, the only thing you have to do is to enjoy!

I would recommend to fly to Edinburgh, spend a day there and then go on a 4-day tour around Scotland.

Here are some of the best 4-day tours around Scotland:

• Scottish Castles Experience : this tour features the same itinerary than the one below. It’s a great way to discover the mainland and what Scotland truly is about. The tour company, Rabbie’s, is a Scottish company. The tour guides are amazing. Click here to see the latest prices.
• Isle of Skye and West Highlands : this tour is a bit different as instead of focusing on the mainland, you will go through the highlands and head to the beautiful Isle of Skye . It’s a great tour especially if you’ve always dreamt of visiting the Scottish Isles. It’s a bit harder to do this itinerary on your own in only 5 days so going on a tour is a great option. Click here to see the latest prices.

Trains and buses in Scotland

The railway and bus network in Scotland is pretty amazing. You will find loads of trains and buses going to all cities and towns. It’s very easy to book tickets however, if you are planning on following the itinerary and going to the lochs, this won’t be ideal.

To book your train tickets, you can use Trainline . It’s very easy to use and you can keep your tickets on your phone.

For buses, check out Megabus . The tickets are super cheap!

Accommodation in Scotland

For accommodation, you can opt for hostels, hotels, B&Bs or Airbnbs . You will find below recommendations on the best places to stay.

Overview of your Five Day Scotland Itinerary

Map of the 5-day scotland itinerary.

Your Scotland Itinerary 5 Days

Now is time for the good stuff. Here is the ultimate 5-day Scotland Itinerary.

Please note that this itinerary is packed with activities.

It really is for people who want to do as much as possible however, we’ve indicated the optional activities.

That way, if you want to slow down, you will know what to skip.

Scotland Itinerary Day 1: Edinburgh

To begin your Scotland 5-day itinerary, you’ll be exploring Edinburgh, Scotland.

This is the easiest (and most affordable) city to fly into, so this is the perfect place to start your road trip.

As you only have 5 days, you shouldn’t be spending more than one in Edinburgh. If you choose to do so, you won’t get to see as much of Scotland.

That being said, if you’d rather spending more time here, check out this 2-day Edinburgh itinerary.

Morning: Arthur’s Seat

Start your morning at Arthur’s Seat. This is one of the most underrated places to explore in the country, but your 5 days in Scotland wouldn’t be complete without it.

Arthur’s Seat is an old Volcano located in Edinburgh that has since become a popular place to hike.

There are a few different trails to the top with varying difficulties, but each has an extremely rewarding view.

It’s best to hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat first thing in the morning so you can avoid the crowds.

On average, you’ll probably spend about two hours here.

The hike is not particularly hard but it is considered a hike rather than a leisurely walk so make sure to wear good shoes.

PRO TIP: You can go up to Arthur’s Seat even if the weather is not great. As you can see on my photos, it doesn’t need to be sunny however, if it’s too rainy and the view is blocked, it’s better to reserve it for a time when the weather is a bit better.

Also, the top of Arthur’s Seat is very windy so make sure to wear a good wind breaker.

Once you’re done with the hike to Arthur’s Seat, be sure to explore the rest of Holyrood Park and also check out the Palace of Holyroodhouse , the King’s official Scottish residence.

Lunch: Kilderkin

Address: 67 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BT

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite by hiking to the top of an extinct volcano, it’s time to grab some lunch.

While you make your way back to the Old Town, you will walk past the Scottish Government (which is a building that is famous for being particularly ugly and that went 10 times above budget).

You will also walk past the Holyrood Palace which is the residence of the British monarch in Edinburgh.

Head to Canongate and starts walking up towards the Old Town. You will find on the right hand side a traditional Scottish pub called the Kilderkin.

This is an excellent place for lunch because they have all sorts of drinks and several dishes with haggis. They also offer all the pub classics which means that everyone can find something.

It’s also very reasonably priced.

Afternoon: Edinburgh’s Old Town

The Old Town of Edinburgh is the most historic part of the city.

The main attraction in the Old Town is Edinburgh Castle, which sits on top of Castle Hill, another extinct volcano in Edinburgh!

This castle holds the country’s crown jewels and is also a museum open to the public. Tickets cost £15.50 per adult if you purchase your tickets online in advance or via a tour company.

While in Old Town, make sure to also walk the Royal Mile. This is the long bustling street leading up to Edinburgh Castle.

It’s lined with some historic and modern attractions that are worth stopping it, dating back a few centuries.

You will also find loads of souvenir shops.

The most popular stop along the Royal Mile is Camera Obscura. This fun museum is filled with optical illusion exhibits that will blow your mind.

If you don’t go inside Edinburgh Castle, this can be a great alternative. Tickets can be purchased here.

If you have a bit more time, consider stopping by the Scottish Parliament, Victoria Street (Real-life version of Diagon Alley) and St. Giles Cathedral.

To make the best of your time in Edinburgh Old Town, I particularly recommend going on a walking tour. The Old Town is full of gems and you can easily reach all of them on foot.

By going on a walking tour, you will discover more about the history of Edinburgh, the famous sites, Harry Potter and some cool anecdotes.

If you are a history lover and want to learn more about Edinburgh as a general thing, opt for the classic walking tour. See prices here.

If you are a Harry Potter fan, that’s no brainer, you must go on a Harry Potter tour! It’s so good! You will discover all the important sites and learn many fun facts! Click here to see the latest prices.

Dinner: The Jolly Judge

Address: 7 James Court, 493 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PB

After exploring the Old Town, it’s time for dinner! Since you didn’t get to try some traditional Scottish pub food for lunch, make your way to The Jolly Judge.

This is one of the top-rated pub restaurants in the whole city.

It’s located right in Old Town near St. Giles Cathedral and has mid-range prices so that you won’t break the bank.

The Jolly Judge is also open until 10 p.m., so if you also want to grab some drinks after and make it a longer night, you absolutely can.

Evening: Calton Hill

End your first of 5 days in Scotland by hiking up to Calton Hill after dinner. It may seem like a lot to hike again after starting the morning with a hike, but it’s completely worth it!

Calton Hill’s view is impeccable and it’s a lot easier to get to the top compared to Arthur’s Seat.

There is a National Monument that was never finished at the top of the hill and an art gallery. However, you should hike up to the top to catch the sunset over the Edinburgh skyline.

This can be a rather romantic way to end the day as you get prepared to see more of Scotland tomorrow!

If you are visiting in winter , make sure to go before dinner and not after otherwise it will be too dark.

Where to stay in Edinburgh

• Luxury:  The Balmoral Hotel is the ultimate place to stay in Edinburgh. It’s located by the station and is the place where JK Rowling wrote the last Harry Potter book. Click here to see the latest prices.
• If you’d rather a luxury Airbnb, this beautiful apartment in the Old Town will be perfect for you. See prices here.
• Mid-range:  The Angus Studio is a cute flat in Edinburgh Old Town. This Airbnb is perfect for a couple. The location is excellent and the amenities perfect. Click here to see the prices.
• Budget:  St Christopher’s Edinburgh Old Town is the best hostel in the city. It’s clean, comfy and well located. See prices here.

Scotland Itinerary Day 2: Cairngorms National Park

Next on your 5-day trip to Scotland, it’s time to head towards Cairngorms National Park!

This is one of the most beautiful areas of the country, and it’s also filled with tons of castles that you won’t want to miss.

Morning: Dundee

Begin your morning by making a quick stop in Dundee.

It’s about one hour north of Edinburgh and is located right on the coast.

Travellers often overlook it, but it’s a good pit stop before you continue the rest of your trip for the day.

While in Dundee, be sure to stop at the V&A Museum. It recently opened in 2018 and is the first design museum in the country.

It’s completely free to visit, but there are always some rotating exhibits that you may have to pay to enter.

Lunch: The Ship Inn & Waterfront Restaurant

Address: 121 Fisher St, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 2BR

Grab lunch while you’re still in Dundee just because there are lots of options. One of the best restaurants in the city is The Ship Inn & Waterfront Restaurant, which has affordable prices and a great water view.

Afternoon: Castle Sightseeing

Now it’s time for the fun part! After your early lunch, make your way towards Cragievar Castle.

This is often referred to as the “pink castle” because of its colour.

This quaint castle truly looks like something out of a fairytale and is worth stopping at.

People inhabited it until about forty years ago! Tickets cost £14.50 per person to see the inside.

Next, make your way to Balmoral Castle, nestled inside Cairngorms National Park.

This is the Queen’s summer residence, but you’re allowed to visit the castle and grounds if you visit anytime besides the summer months.

Tickets can be pricy, but it’s worth it.

If you’ve watched the Crown, you should recognise this place. In season 5, Diana and Margaret Thatcher go there with the royal family.

Last but not least, stop at one more architectural marvel: Braemar Castle. It dates back to the 17th century and is what you’d expect a traditional Scottish castle to look like.

If you visited Balmoral Castle and still have your ticket, you can get discounted access to this castle.

Dinner: The Old Bridge Inn

Address : 23 Dalfaber Rd, Aviemore PH22 1PU

Finish the night by grabbing dinner at The Old Bridge Inn.

This is arguably the best pub near Cairngorms National Park, and they offer a wide variety of dishes.

The menu pleases even the pickiest of eaters. It’s located in Aviemore, a great place to spend the evening before continuing your 5-day road trip in Scotland tomorrow.

Where to stay in the Cairngorms

• Luxury: Loch Insh Chalets are perfect for a luxury stay. They are located on the waterfront and some of them have a private hot tub! See prices here.
• Mid-range:  The Birds Nest is a beautiful cabin in Aviemore. It can sleep up to 2 guests. See prices here.
• Budget:  An Cabar is a super cute tiny house in the Cairngorms. It’s entirely made of wood and a great choice for travellers on a budget looking for an authentic experience. See prices.

Scotland Itinerary Day 3: Inverness & Loch Ness

Next on your Scotland itinerary 5 days, it’s time to make your way to Inverness. This drive will only take about 40 minutes so that you can get started on your day relatively early.

Morning: Inverness Castle

The first stop of the day is the beautiful Inverness Castle! It was built in the 19th century and has a beautiful view of Inverness since it’s located slightly higher than the rest of the city.

Even though it was built only a short hundred years ago, a castle has been in this very spot since the 11th century, when King Malcolm III established his fortress here.

You may instantly recognise the name of Inverness Castle if you’re a Shakespeare fan. That’s because it was featured in Macbeth!

Compared to other castles you’ve visited so far in Scotland, this one is relatively affordable at only £6 per ticket if you purchase your tickets online in advance.

Lunch: Rocpool or The Grumpy Chef

For lunch, make your way back down to Inverness. There are tons of spots to eat here, but some of the top-rated lunch restaurants are Rocpool and The Grumpy Chef.

If you have a bit more money to splurge on a fine meal, be sure to eat at Rocpool. Prices are a bit more luxury and not as budget-friendly, but it’s a top-rated place for modern cuisine in the city.

Address: 1 Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5NE

The Grumpy Chef is a more budget-friendly place to grab some quick food. They offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options on their menu.

Whether you’re in the mood for French toast or a ciabatta sandwich, The Grumpy Chef has got you covered.

Address: Chapel St, Inverness IV1 1NA

Afternoon: Loch Ness

As with most Scotland itineraries, you absolutely must visit Loch Ness.

This is one of the best places to see in Scotland in 5 days and is only a thirty-minute drive from Inverness.

While you can drive around Loch Ness for free, you can enter the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition for £8.45 per person.

While you’re at Loch Ness, be on the lookout for Nessie, the legendary monster who has lived in the depths of the loch for centuries.

Be sure to also stop at Urquhart Castle, which is located right along Loch Ness.

Construction began on it and the 13th century though it wasn’t finished until the 16th. Tickets cost £9.60 per person to enter the castle.

And of course, one of the best things to do here is to take a cruise on Loch Ness.

Dinner: The Dores Inn

Address: B862, Dores, Inverness IV2 6TR

For dinner, head back to Inverness and grab some delicious pub food at The Dores Inn.

This pub is family run and offers some of the best views in Inverness, besides the ones from the castle.

Despite being one of the best pubs in Inverness, it’s usually relatively quiet, especially if you choose to use their outdoor seating along Loch Ness.

Evening: Scotch & Rye

Address: 21 Queensgate, Inverness IV1 1DF

If you still have some energy left, go out for drinks at Scotch & Rye!

The inside of this cocktail bar and restaurant has a lively atmosphere with tons of Prohibition decor and memorabilia.

The bartenders serve up almost any cocktail you can imagine.

Be sure not to stay up too late because you have another busy day tomorrow on this best itinerary for Scotland!

Where to stay in Inverness

• Luxury:  Cheerful and Airy Flat is a wonderful Airbnb in Inverness. The home decor is absolutely stunning and the location is ideal. See prices here.
• Mid-range:  West River Apartment is an excellent option for mid-budget accommodation. It’s very cosy and well located. See prices here.
• Budget:  Crown Street is a private room Airbnb. It’s the perfect choice if you are on a budget. It’s very good value. See prices here.

Scotland Itinerary Day 4: Fort William

Fort William is an absolute must-see in Scotland, and luckily that’s what you’ll be seeing today! After waking up in Inverness, make the hour and a half drive to Fort William.

Morning: Nevis Range Scenic Mountain Gondola

If you’re wondering what to see in Scotland while you’re in Fort William, look no further than the Nevis Range. Make your way here first, as soon as you make it to Fort William.

Once you’re there, you’ll want to find the ticket booth and purchase admission to the gondola. Each ticket costs £22, which may seem pricey, but it’s worth it.

After you grab your ticket, hop onto the gondola and catch one of the most breathtaking views in the whole country!

It is a rather steep ride, and if it’s windy, the gondola could also be a little shaky. Keep in mind that every once in a while, the gondolas might stop so that someone can attach their bike to one!

Lunch: The Pinemarten Cafe or The Snowgoose Restaurant

Address: Nevis Range Parking, Torlundy, Fort William PH33 6SQ

There are two places to eat at the top of the mountain: The Pinemarten Cafe and The Snowgoose Restaurant.

It’s best that you just grab lunch here because there’s a vast outdoor patio looking down the incredibly scenic mountain.

There are quite a few meals you can purchase, and they change depending on the day. Prices are also relatively affordable, but with a view like that, any price is worth it!

After lunch, be sure to walk on a few of the trails at the top of the mountain before heading back down.

Afternoon: Ben Nevis Distillery or Neptune’s Staircase

Here are two things you can do in the afternoon: visiting a distillery (perfect on a rainy day) or going to Neptune staircase and walk down to Corpach port (perfect on a sunny day).

Ben Nevis Distillery’s Address: Lochy Bridge, Fort William PH33 6TJ

Next on your 5-day self-drive tour of Scotland is Ben Nevis Distillery.

No trip to Scotland is complete without visiting a distillery of some sort, and this one is one of the most scenic parts of the country.

Ben Nevis Distillery is one of the oldest in the entire country.

This distillery is known for its whisky and offers tours to visitors. Admission is £5 per person, or you can pay £18 to go on a tasting tour. Either one is fantastic!

Neptune’s Staircase Address: Banavie, Fort William PH33 7NG

If it’s sunny then heading to Neptune’s staircase will be an excellent idea. At first sight, there is nothing that exciting about this place but I promise, you’ll be impressed!

Neptune’s staircase is a staircase made of 8 locks on the Caledonian canal.

In simple terms, it allows boats to go up!

As you get there, you can walk on the different bridges and get nice views of the stairs but it’s when a boat comes that it becomes truly impressive!

If you are down for a walk, you can stroll along the canal all the way to Corpach port. It’s an easy 30-minute walk.

Once you get to the port, you’ll discover stunning views of the loch and Ben Nevis.

On a nice and sunny day, you can even see the reflection of Ben Nevis on the loch. It’s so beautiful!

That said, it’s really not worth going on a rainy day as Ben Nevis will be hidden by the clouds.

PRO TIP: If you are a Harry Potter fan, you can stand by the railway at Banavie Station (next to the staircase) and see the Jacobite train coming! Make sure to check the timetables. The train doesn’t stop in the station but it goes fairly slow when it reaches this stage.

READ MORE: Harry Potter Train in Scotland: Ultimate Guide to riding the Jacobite train in real life

Dinner: Crannog Seafood Restaurant

Address: 4 Cameron Rd, Fort William PH33 6AJ

Eating seafood is an absolute must-do in Scotland, and there’s no better place to do it than while you’re in Fort William.

The Crannog Seafood Restaurant is one of the best seafood restaurants in Fort William and is located right on the pier, so there are excellent views.

Ask for a window seat if you can! Prices are mid-range, and the atmosphere is casual.

If you’re not a big fan of seafood, don’t worry. There are tons of other places to eat at in Fort William, so take your pick!

Where to stay in Fort William

• Luxury: This Airbnb is a beautifully decorated house with stunning views of the water and luxury amenities. See prices here.
• Mid-range: Lothlorien is a cute B&B in Fort William. Admittedly, it looks a bit old fashion but it is great value and breakfast is included! See prices here.
• Budget:  Fort William Backpackers is a hostel located in an old Victorian building in the heart of Fort William. See prices here.

Scotland Itinerary Day 5: Loch Lomond & Glasgow

Finish your last day in this beautiful country by visiting some of the best places to see in Scotland in 5 days.

Today, you’ll be visiting Loch Lomond and Glasgow before heading home!

Morning: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Begin your day by exploring Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, one of the best things to do in Scotland in 5 days.

This loch and park are arguably even more beautiful than Loch Ness, so it absolutely can’t be missed.

Instead of purposely going to certain parts of the park, try just driving around and pulling off to the side whenever you find a great viewpoint.

This is one of the best ways to explore, especially after a hectic week of sightseeing. If you do want to stop for a couple of hours, head to Balloch and go on a cruise on the lake .

The cruise is only 1 to 2 hours long and this will be an amazing use of your time!

It’s very pretty and a fun way to discover Loch Lomond.

Click here to see the prices.

Lunch: Mini Grill Glasgow Steakhouse

Address: 244A Bath St, Glasgow G2 4JW

From Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, make your way to Glasgow for lunch.

While there are many places to eat in this city, The Mini Grill Glasgow Steakhouse is a great option. It’s one of the more popular places to eat in Glasgow and has a friendly atmosphere and mid-range pricing.

Afternoon: Glasgow Sightseeing

Spend your last afternoon in Glasgow just doing some sightseeing. 

Again, I highly recommend going on a walking tour here.

The City Centre guided walking tour of Glasgow lasts 2.5 hours, during which you will learn everything you need to know about the city. There is no better way to discover the city quickly and in-depth.

Definitely, a winner when you don’t have much time. Click here to see the latest prices.

If you’d rather exploring on your own, it’s fine too! There are many great places to explore in the city, but here are a few top places to visit in Glasgow.

The equestrian statue of Arthur Wellesley is the most famous landmark in the city.

Not exactly because of the statue or the man himself but because it always has a road cone on the head! Yep, I am serious!

Believe it or not but Glasgow is notorious for this.

As a matter of fact, every time the cone is removed by the city council, people start placing bets on how long it will stay that way. It never lasted more than a few days!

You will see this statue on all postcards! It’s a local institution! You can find it just outside the Gallery of Modern art on the Royal Exchange Square.

The Glasgow Cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is a beautiful gothic church. The inside is very dark yet enchanting, which only adds to its appeal. It’s the oldest cathedral in the country, so it can’t be missed!

George Square is one of the main squares in Glasgow. In particular, this square was named after King George III and features lots of statues throughout, so it’s worth exploring, even if only for a half-hour.

The best museum in Glasgow is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It was opened to the public in 1901 but was recently refurbished in the early 21st century.

It’s filled with beautiful art and also is a true testament to the architecture in Scotland.

The Necropolis is a cemetery located on the heights of the city. It boasts some of the most breath-taking views of Glasgow so it’s well worth walking up there.

Finally, Glasgow is known for its street art! As you walk around, you will discover many beautiful murals!

Dinner: Ox and Finch

Address: 920 Sauchiehall St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 7TF

For Dinner, make your way to Ox and Finch.

This is one of the favourite restaurants among locals and tourists, which only adds to its appeal.

The majority of the menu is tapas, and the atmosphere is very casual. Prices are mid-range, and there are tons of delicious meals and appetisers on the menu, including vegan options.

Evening: The Pot Still

Address: 154 Hope St, Glasgow G2 2TH

Finish your last day in Scotland by heading to your last Scottish pub, The Pot Still. This is the most famous pub in the entire city, and they sell tons of whiskies (over 700!) and other alcoholic drinks.

A pub has been located in this very spot since the 19th century, so it’s filled with history.

Where to stay in Glasgow

• Luxury: Kimpton – Blythswood Square Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in the city centre. When it comes to luxury accommodation in Glasgow, it really doesn’t get better than that. See prices here.
• Mid-range: Historical Tenement Flat is a beautiful flat in Glasgow City Centre. It’s very good value for money and well located. See prices here.
• Budget: Glasgow Youth Hostel is ideal for travellers on a budget who still want to be staying in a beautiful building. See prices here.

Other Scotland 5-day itineraries

Now that you know exactly how to pack as much as possible in those 5 days, it’s time to discover how to have a more relaxing holiday.

While the first itinerary is perfect for first-timers who want to see as much of Scotland as possible, it’s not exactly relaxing.

Here you will find some more itineraries that you can use to plan your 5 days in Scotland.

Scotland 5-day itinerary 2: Edinburgh, Isle of Skye, Glenfinnan and Fort William

• Day 1: Edinburgh Old Town
• Day 2: Edinburgh New Town and Dean Village
• Day 3: Fairy Pools on Skye and Portree
• Day 4: Old Man of Storr and Quirrang
• Day 5: Glenfinnan and Fort William

Scotland 5-day itinerary 3: Edinburgh, Glasgow and Loch Lomond

• Day 1: Edinburgh Old Town and Arthur’s Seat
• Day 3: Glasgow City Centre
• Day 4: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
• Day 5: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Scotland 5-day itinerary 4: Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Inverness and Isle of Skye

• Day 1: Edinburgh Old Town and New Town
• Day 2: Loch Ness
• Day 3: Inverness
• Day 4: Fairy Pools and Portree on Skye
• Day 5: Old Man of Storr and back to Edinburgh

Scotland 5-day itinerary 5: Edinburgh, Outlander, St Andrews and Dundee

• Day 2: Edinburgh New Town, Stockebridge and Dean Village
• Day 3: Day tour to the Outlander filming locations
• Day 4: St Andrews
• Day 5: Dundee

Scotland 5-day itinerary 6: Edinburgh, Leith, Glenfinnan, Fort William, Ben Nevis and Glencoe

• Day 2: Leith and the Royal Yacht Britannia
• Day 3: Glenfinnan Viaduct and Fort William
• Day 4: Ben Nevis
• Day 5: Glencoe (visitor centre and hiking the devil’s staircase)

You may also be interested in:

• Edinburgh 2-day itinerary: How to spend 2 days in Edinburgh, Scotland
• Harry Potter in Edinburgh
• Scotland Outdoor Bucket List: the best Outdoor Activities in Scotland
• The Best Scotland Quiz: 55 Scottish Questions and Answers for your trivia night!
• Best 3-Day Scotland tours from Edinburgh to book
• 10 Reasons Why You Should Never Visit Scotland

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

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Scotish Highland Tour May 2024

Last year we did Europe tour with star tour..it was nice experience. This year we booked Scotland tour. It is very nice and memorable experience. Our group coach Mr.Bala is very co-operative and humble with friendly nature. And most important thing is Bala is very knowledgeable n informative person about tourist spot. Jr member of star tour Krish is also good n enthusiastic.We enjoyed all days in Scotland.

Date of experience : 15 May 2024

Awesome, once in a lifetime experience.

Awesome , once in lifetime experience. This is our third trip with Star Tour and organised by Nayanbhai Patel. We had a brilliant time on this Japan trip. Manishbhai, our tour manager was brilliant, very helpful, kind person. Made our trip enjoyable. He made sure we had an excellent time and looked after us all. Hopefully we will do another holiday with Manishbhai in future. Also, Nayanbhai who organised this trip did an excellent job and looked after us all. Can’t fault anything and definitely recommend Star Tours to everybody. Minaxi & Arvind Mistry

Date of experience : 08 May 2024

First time traveling through the tour…

First time traveling through the tour company. It was a wonderful experience with Star Tour. Well well-organized tour. Clean and fresh coach. Food and break times are well planned. Rishi is a star of the tour. Provided information about attractions. His planning and pleasant interactions with everyone gave us a homely feeling. Thanks to Captain Paul for the safe driving and for helping us to load and unload our luggage. Just a suggestion… As sometimes during long hours of journey kids get restless. Can you provide games or entertainment systems for them ( also with time limits😜) or wifi on board 😅

Date of experience : 13 May 2024

Our tour manager Rishi did wonderful…

Our tour manager Rishi did wonderful job. He guided us in a very professional and informative way. He was always available to help us from day start to the end of day with positive attitude and professional manners also has lot of patience which is very admirable. We enjoyed our time in this tour with his guidance. Paul’s Driving was very smooth. Food and hotel was great.

Well managed tour and excellent service

Tour : Best of Europe with Disney 6 days Tour Manager : Santosh P Driver : Markus Trainee : Keerthi Tour was well managed and excellent service provided by everybody from Star tours. Santosh provided all information well in advance and helped us also to skip all the queues by time management. It was good experience all in all and will definitely recommend

Date of experience : 11 May 2024

I would rate both Rishi & Paul 6 stars out off 5 stars

Tour manager = Rishi & Driver Paul were managing the trip with huge collaboration and with Proactive NESS Rishi = Tour manager was extremely organised, was always there for the tourist with anything & everything they needed. Encouraged the tourists to give their 💯 & enjoy every bit that stat tours have got to offer Paul's driving 🚗 was awesome. The way he dealt with tourists was extremely professional 👏. Hats off for his driving & he was a true coach captain Please mention My name Rishi Drivers name Paul Tour name with date Treasures of Europe 13/05/2024

14 day majestic Europe…

We took the 14 day majestic Europe tour. The coach was super and so was our driver Lica and Dan. Our tour manager Chirag was very professional and was very pro active to interact and share information and fun facts as we passed by. The food provided is top notch. Overall, a very well managed and professional organisation.

Date of experience : 06 May 2024

Wonderful experience with the treasures of Europe.

Wonderful experience. Tour manager Rishi and Paul provided great service.They helped everyone at every step. Rishi is very knowledgeable guide, so comfortable to talk to him. I wish he will be our guide for next tour too. Delicious Food and comfortable good hotels were provided every day.Really had fun trip.

Scottish Highlands Tour

The Scottish Highlands tour covered all the important attractions within 5 days. The sightseeing were well planned and all points were covered as per itinerary. Tour manager Bala Manikaraja was well informed and experienced about all the sightseeing spots. He was also guiding and giving information about the spots. We loved the tour and would definitely recommend this tour to all the nature lovers wanting to explore Scotland!

Memorable Treasures of Europe

We planned treasures of Europe tour on 13 th May 2024 with Star tour. Best experience through out the journey. I have acidity problem, so I need food on time and proper sleep. Also I always hesitate to test new food, but with start tour everything is perfect. We got Indian food in Europe. Plenty of sleep, actually feels like we are on holiday. Visited scenic places, monuments, sight seeing through window. Excellent. Our tour guide Rishi is the best, managed the tour so well that, we visited many places on perfect time, before it became crowded. He anticipated many problems in advance and guided 52 people with his expertise. Our couch driver Mr. Paul is best, even with motion seek ness issue I enjoyed the tour without any trouble. Thank you so much star tour for this wonderful experience..

Timing are very helpful to save the…

Tour : Best of Europe with Disney 6 days Tour Manager : Santosh P Driver : Markus Trainee : Keerthi Tour was well managed and excellent service provided by everybody from Star tours. Mr.Santosh was very experience person and provided all information well in advance and helped us also to skip all the queues by time management and food was ok. Timing are very helpful to save the time for all the location . Tour manager was experience person. Also we booked one day tour in UK and their driver are very helpful for everything. We booked our tour from New Jersey location and all The corospond was excellent. Thank you very much to Mr. Jay to provide excellent service.

Code PNER your.Driver and star tour rep was very…

Driver and star tour rep was very polite and took care of everyone. However there should be more care of disabled people. The tour overall was very good. Food was tasty All hotels were very good, Rooms beds was very comfortable. Baggage assistance should be given to disabled people when entering and leaving hotels.

Good Europe trip with startours

Good experience with startours for my Europe trip. Well planned and coordinated trip especially travelling with kids. Little tired due to long coach travel with 6 - 7hrs of night sleep but it's worth considering decent North Indian food for lunch and dinner

Date of experience : 19 May 2024

Loved the tour experience

We had pleasure in taking 15 days majestic tour. It was such a pleasure to have a wonderful tour manager Chirag Dholakia and driver Luka. Chirag was very professional, helpful and knowledgeable. He kept us engaged all the time with different games, movies and songs. We wish him all the best him for future.

We Are Stars

The journey was well planned! The time stamps were well respected. The pickup and drop-off services were amazing! Our tour guide, Santosh, did an incredible job especially in making us feel welcomed and comfortable. Not to mention the food was very good! Overall, we are satisfied with our experience.

Date of experience : 10 May 2024

Perfect itinerary

Perfect itinerary, perfect time table, very good hotel stay in Glasgow, Exciting Cable Car ride, Boating (twice), Steam Engine ride. Food was awesome. Perfect for any Indians wanting Scotland Tour! JJ, the driver, was very safe on UK’s narrow roads, and smooth Journey. Aarish, the Tour Manager, is humble, good communication skills, able to manage the group with very very clear instructions. He has given all necessary guidance exactly when it required. We would love to opt Aarish as tour manager again for another star tour trip. 14-17th May, 4 days Historic Scotland

Date of experience : 17 May 2024

Nikhil Bhansali - Best Tour Manager - WAE May 24

Just one word for Nikhil - Perfect Manager. No glitches whatsoever. A very humble and polite person. Best Part - He gave personal attention to each and every family Obviously it was our first time with Star tours, however it was made memorable because of our Tour Manager. Best of Luck - Nikhil

Panoramic Europe

Panoramic Europe - excellent service We had an amazing trip with Star Tours - we took the Panoramic Europe tour - France, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland. The itinerary was well thought out and Indian food planned along the trip was absolutely delicious. Our tour manager Ankit Walia and coach driver Allen were excellent. Ankit went out of his way to make sure everyone had a safe and comfortable trip.

Date of experience : 04 May 2024

Funtastic tour experience with Star Tours

Hi , This is my first tour to abroad (UK) so I was very excited to do sightseeing in UK. Selection of star tour is good decision for me. Our Tour manager (Aarish)managed all his responsibilities ( Arrangment for food, hotel, time management for all sightseeing location) perfectly. Alongside Mr.JJ (our coach captain) perfectly managed his driving skills in all manner. I am happy on star tour and tour manager,Couch captain JJ for his hospitality in Scotland tour. @Aarish/JJ keep it up . Will definitely meet any other tour in future. Thanks Prasad Joshi

Rishi was a very patient and…

Rishi was a very patient and accommodating tour manager. We had the best time. Our driver Paul was also very polite and efficient. They both were excellent in planning to avoid crowds and making the most of our experience.

• Tour 1 – Loch Ness & the Highlands
• Tour 2 – Stirling Castle, Highland Lochs & Whisky
• Tour 3 – Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders & Hadrian’s Wall
• Tour 4 – The Best of Scotland in a Day
• Tour 5 – The Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle
• Tour 6 – St Andrews & the Kingdom of Fife
• 2 Day Tour – Inverness & the Highlands
• 3 Day Tour – Isle of Skye & the Highlands
• 5 Day Tour – The Grand Tour of Scotland
• View All Private Tours
• 1 Day Tour – The Best of Scotland in a Day
• 1 Day Tour – Loch Ness & the Highlands
• 2 Day Tour – Inverness & the Highlands
• 3 Day Tour – The Isle of Skye & the Highlands
• 4 Day Tour – Inverness & the Isle of Skye

5 Day Tour – The Grand Tour of Scotland

• 6 Day Tour – The Outer Hebrides & Isle of Skye
• 7 Day Tour – The Complete Tour of Scotland
• Departure Point
• Gift Vouchers
• Accommodation Explained
• Our Story – The Wee Red Bus
• John Muir Trust
• Our Vehicles
• Sustainable Tourism

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION – All group tours depart from Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ (opposite Howie’s Restaurant) .

Achmelvich Beach

• Tour Details
• Accommodation Information

Please check in with your driver guide at Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place 15 minutes before departure

Prices & booking terms.

• Luggage allowance of up to 15 kg (33 lbs)
• Free cancellation/rebooking up to 8 days before departure
• Transport in a luxury Mercedes Wee Red Bus
• Fully guided services of a Heart of Scotland tour leader

Not Included

• Entry fees to attractions
• Meals and refreshments
• Accommodation (see below)

Tour Highlights

• Average group size of around 12
• Culloden Battlefield and Clava standing stone circles
• Loch Ness and Inverness
• Achmelvich beach
• Unique Highland landscape of Assynt
• Eilean Donan Castle
• Isle of Skye full day tour
• Lots of photo stops on the magical Isle of Skye
• Glenfinnan Viaduct

2024 Season

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating According to TripAdvisor travelers as of May 2024

Your Accommodation

Tour price does not include the cost of accommodation. Accommodation is pre-booked by Heart of Scotland Tours (or by yourself) and you pay card or cash at checkout. Please note some Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) only accept cash . Choose from:

• Hostel – £25 to £35 per person, per night
• B&B single or single occupancy of a double room – £60 to £120 per person, per night
• B&B en suite double or twin – £120 to £190 per room, per night (2 sharing)
• B&B en suite triple or quad – £160 to £240 per room, per night (3 or 4 sharing)
• Hotel – £160 to £240+ per room, per night (2 sharing)

Your accommodation options explained in more detail.

This classic 5-day tour showcases the best of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. From dazzling white beaches to the dramatic mountain landscapes of Skye and Assynt, our Grand Tour will live with you forever. As part of a small tour group in the Wee Red Bus you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy world-famous sights like Loch Ness and Eilean Donan Castle as well as some hidden gems that many tourists never see.

Our 5 day adventure begins by crossing the famous Forth Bridge, travelling past the Fair City of Perth before our first stop at the picturesque Victorian Highland village of Pitlochry.

Surrounded by a stunning Perthshire landscape of mountains, woodland and water there is an optional visit to the Blair Athol distillery for a tour and tasting – a must for all Scotch lovers!  Non whisky drinkers can enjoy the bustling High St or stretch their legs beside the River Tummel.

We continue north through the Cairngorms National Park with sweeping views across the Spey Valley and the Central Highlands.

By mid afternoon we arrive at one of Scotland’s most evocative and scared prehistoric sites, the 4000 year old stone circles and burial cairns at Clava Cairns.

Our final stop is Culloden Moor where the Jacobites were finally defeated by government soldiers in 1746, the last battle to be fought on British soil.

You will have time to walk on the battlefield and learn more about this tragic event that killed 700 Highland clansmen in three minutes. Our base for two nights is the Highland capital, Inverness.

A trip to Assynt and the Coigach peninsula will live with you forever as an area of outstanding natural beauty encompassing hundreds of lochs, beautiful coastline, and native woodlands all set against the stunning backdrop of some remarkable mountains.

'Our trip to stunning Assynt will live with you forever'

This dramatic Highland landscape has inspired many from all over the world. We stop at the pretty fishing village of Ullapool for coffee, before continuing north-west to the unique landscape of Assynt and the Inverpolly Nature Reserve.

Famous mountains such as Suilven and Stac Pollaidh are never far from view. There can be few more scenic roads in the country than that from Badnagyle to Lochinver, where we pause for lunch. It’s then onto stunning Achmelvich beach to enjoy the wild coastline and beautiful sands.

Our drive continues to the ruins of 15th century Ardvreck Castle on the shores of Loch Assynt before we finish this fabulous day at the dramatic Corrieshalloch Gorge.

We say goodbye to Inverness and head to the Isle of Skye via the magic of Loch Ness and the rugged splendour of the Western Highlands.

First stop is the world’s most famous lake, best known for sightings of Nessie, the legendary Loch Ness monster!

There’s an option to take a 1 hour boat trip with views of Urquhart Castle or alternatively spend time at the loch-side village of Drumnadrochit for souvenir shopping and/or a visit to the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition.

We continue to the southern end of the loch for lunch in the picturesque village of Fort Augustus.

Dramatic scenery unfolds as we drive west, stopping for photos at the famous viewpoint over Loch Garry and the wilderness of Knoydart beyond. We continue past the Five Sisters of Kintail – a high mountain ridge rising steeply from Glen Shiel – towards world-famous Eilean Donan Castle.

Perhaps the most iconic image of Highland Scotland the castle has been used as the backdrop for countless well-known movies. It is perfectly situated on a small island, surrounded by water and fabulous scenery – a ‘must-see’ Scottish landmark.

From here it’s only a short drive to the Skye Bridge and onwards to Sligachan for a stunning view of the Cuillin Mountains. Our final stop of the day is the island capital of Portree where we will stay for two nights.

Today is spent touring the Isle of Skye, a flexible itinerary at the discretion of your driver / guide * (see below).

We enjoy a half-day scenic drive along the dramatic Trotternish Ridge with its spectacular cliffs and rock formations. Stops can include Lealt Waterfall, Kilt Rock sea cliffs, the Old Man of Storr rock pinnacle and a walk at the Quiraing mountain pass. Another popular stop is the Fairy Glen, a delightful miniature Highland landscape and legendary home of the ‘wee people’!

'We spend a full day exploring the spectacular and dramatic Isle of Skye in the Wee Red Bus'

The second half of the day explores the stunning southern part of the island which includes well-known sights and some hidden gems we’ve discovered over the years.

Nestled under the Cuillin mountains is beautiful Glen Brittle. Rugged scenery surrounds us and there are several fantastic options for this section of the tour, including a short walk in the iconic mountain landscape to the famous Fairy Pools.

Another popular excursion is the drive to Neist Point lighthouse for spectacular views to the Western Isles.

The 13th century home of the famous Clan McLeod, Dunvegan Castle offers guided tours, a useful wet-weather option because of Skye’s famously changeable weather. It’s not called the ‘Misty Isle’ for nothing!

* Please note depending on weather and traffic conditions the itinerary is flexible to maximise our time on Skye.

Our day begins with a scenic drive across Skye to the ferry terminal at Armadale for the 30 minute sea crossing to Mallaig (subject to availability).

With spectacular views to the Small Isles and Cuillin Mountains, the iconic black and red Caledonian Macbrayne ferry takes us back to mainland Scotland with wildlife spotting opportunities en route including seals, sea birds and the occasional whale, dolphin or otter.

On arrival in Mallaig we follow the beautiful ‘Road to the Isles’ to Glenfinnan Viaduct which famously features in several Harry Potter movies as the Hogwarts Express train crosses the bridge. Historically this stunning viewpoint also marks the spot where Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) landed on mainland Scotland and raised his standard prior to the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion.

'Glenfinnan Viaduct features in several Harry Potter movies'

As we drive to Fort William for lunch we stop for a photo of Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis at Neptune’s Staircase. This series of locks on the Caledonian Canal raises the water level 20 metres and was designed by the famous Scottish engineer Thomas Telford.

Mountains and lochs provide a dramatic backdrop as we continue to Glen Coe, perhaps the most famous of all Scotland’s glens.

This narrow valley is where the bloody massacre of the MacDonalds took place in 1692. You may even recognise this part of the Highlands, used as a backdrop for many movies including Skyfall.

Our Grand Tour concludes with a photo stop at 13th century Doune Castle. Protecting the gateway to the Highlands the medieval castle has recently been seen as Castle Leoch in Outlander, Winterfell in Game of Thrones but is probably most famous for featuring in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Tour 1 Loch Ness & the Highlands bus tour from Edinburgh

Tour 2 Stirling Castle, Highland Lochs & Whisky bus tour from Edinburgh

Tour 3 Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders & Hadrian's Wall bus tour from Edinburgh

Tour 4 The Best of Scotland in a Day

Tour 5 The Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle

Tour 6 St Andrews & the Kingdom of Fife

2 Day Tour Inverness & the Highlands

3 Day Tour Isle of Skye & the Highlands

5 Day Tour The Grand Tour of Scotland

Private Tours of Scotland

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